Styling Tips-January

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At one point or another, most of us will get caught in that dreaded monotonous routine that comes along with work or school. You know how it goes: you're doing the same thing, every day, and you're just itching to add some variety to your life. Here at Who What Wear, we get this dull feeling but it's about our wardrobes (not our lives). Happily, there's a solution: our monthly Styling Tips story! Perhaps you're guilty of relying on the same pair of tried and true heels for after-dark affairs? Simply emulate the way model Elisa Sednaoui paired her long dress with cool leather boots and you'll have yourself a fresh spin on party dressing in no time! Maybe you're always reaching for outerwear in dark hues? In that case, we suggest experimenting with a bright white coat this season a la Nora Zehetner! And that's just the tip of the iceberg-be sure to read on to see the rest of our helpful hints!

Tip #2: Style a midi dress with an oversized, furry vest.
If you're looking to vamp up your evening wear, consider adding a long fur vest to your repertoire, as it will add a touch of glamour instantly! Jewelry designer Delfina Delettrez had the right idea at the Swarovski Crystal Palace dinner in Miami in November, when she layered Fendi's Green Dress ($1510, 212.759.4646) with the Black and Blue Mink and Fox Fur Gillet ($11,660, 212.759.4646), also by said fashion house, for a sophisticated, on-trend party outfit! Dying to emulate her smart ensemble? Simply pick up French Connection's Faux Fur Hip Thing Vest ($202) or MICHAEL Michael Kors' Long Fur Vest Graphite ($104), as either option will be an elegant addition to your wardrobe!

Tip #3: Layer your outerwear for a stylish cold-weather outfit.
Without fail, Alexa Chung's ensembles spark sartorial inspiration galore. Case in point: the look she put together for a holiday event at the Stella McCartney store in London in November. The TV host and perennial trendsetter demonstrated an easy way to stay warm this winter: layering outerwear! She donned an Isabel Marant sweater and vintage parka underneath a coat from her own Madewell collection, and the result was one seriously cool outfit, as per usual! To recreate her savvy styling, start with either Levi's Military Twill Jacket ($64) or Roxy's Smokey Tribe Jacket ($35) and then throw ASOS' Two Tone Coat with Buttons ($182) on top for a Chung-esque look in no time.

Tip #4: Elevate a turtleneck with a silky maxi skirt.
During the winter months, a turtleneck is the perfect way to bridge the gap between comfortable and chic dressing. But if you're not quite sure how to wear this wardrobe staple, simply look to model Hilary Rhoda for some guidance. Snapped at the New Yorkers for Children benefit at the Tory Burch flagship store in New York last month, the brunette beauty kept toasty in an Alexander Wang knit sweater, which she paired with a gorgeous peach maxi skirt by Max Azria. We especially appreciate Rhoda's material-mixing mastery: a soft, cozy top teamed with a luxuriously silky skirt is quite the stylish combo! Aching for a similar ensemble? We think Autumn Cashmere's Ribbed Turtleneck ($257) and Ann Taylor's Woodland Cable Turtleneck Sweater ($40) would look terrific paired with either Vince's Maxi Skirt ($177) or Amanda Wakeley's Hammered Silk-Satin Maxi Skirt ($870).

Tip #5: Freshen up your look with crisp, white separates.
If you feel that you're stuck in a bit of a sartorial rut lately, allow us to introduce a surefire way to freshen up your wardrobe, courtesy of Vanessa Traina. The stylist/designer created an amazing outfit for an event at the New York Reed Krakoff boutique last month by contrasting a blanc Givenchy top and Reed Krakoff skirt with noir pieces, including a Balenciaga jacket and opaque tights. We think the clean white hues definitely up the chic factor and make for a delightfully stylish ensemble. If you adore Traina's styling as much as we do, you'll definitely delight in our top-notch picks to help you recreate it. Simply pick up Raoul's White A-Line Skirt ($230) or Pennyblack's Knee Length Skirt ($78) and team either piece with ASOS' Pintuck Winged Collar Shirt ($55) for a Traina-inspired look.

Tip #6: Finish a sleek outfit with a boyfriend coat.
When we spotted Jenna Lyons at the Altuzarra dinner in New York late last year, we were instantly convinced that a boyfriend coat is a must-have this season. Why, you might ask? The relaxed fit of Lyons' oversized Celine topper gives off an irresistibly easygoing vibe but still keeps her look polished, resulting in quite the enviable and professional ensemble. If you're dying to get your hands on a similar piece, you're in luck because we rounded up a few of our favorites. We think Zara's Male Vigore Coat ($100), Acne's Smith Honey Wool Coat ($519), Isabella Oliver's Satin Detail City Coat ($225) all fit the bill perfectly!

Tip #7: Pair a long tank dress with leather boots for a cool, '90s look.
While you might be tempted to reach for your favorite pair of stilettos for a night out, why not mix things up and try teaming leather boots with a long frock? Model Elisa Sednaoui did just that at the premiere of L'Amour Dure Trois Ans in Paris earlier this month and we immediately fell in love. The statuesque stunner donned a vintage Jean Paul Gaultier tank dress, which she paired with Chanel boots and bag. For a '90s-eque, cool-girl outfit that is a decidedly fresh take on party dressing, emulate this look by picking up a slinky maxi, like Eight Sixty's Lace Maxi Dress ($59) or American Apparel's The Long Spaghetti Tank Dress ($44) and add tough leather boots, such as Rag & Bone's The New Moto Boot ($595) or Dolce Vita's Simone Moto Ankle Boot ($149).

Tip #8: Swap your dark coat for a chic, white style.
A dark coat is certainly a wardrobe staple, but this season we're particularly excited to try out a crisp white version a la Nora Zehetner, who showed off her smart outerwear choice at the Americans for Marriage Equality launch hosted by Calvin Klein Collection in New York in November. Our former GOTM swung her Calvin Klein Technical Cotton Collarless Coat ($1895, 212 292 9000) nonchalantly over her shoulders, and accessorized with the Cognac Gold Metal Tip Cross Body Bag ($895, 212 292 9000) and Slate Patent Leather Open Toe Lace Up Stiletto ($795, 212 292 9000), both also by said brand. She also opted for a Marc Jacobs sweater, Steven Alan button-down shirt, and high-waisted shorts by Topshop, and the resulting look is thoroughly modern and utterly chic! Ready to try a white coat? We think you'll adore DKNY's Empire Waist Cashmere Blend Coat ($162), Zara's Coat with Lapels ($100), and Juicy Couture's Darling Felted Wool-Blend Princess Coat ($400), all of which have a Zehetner-worthy panache.-Erin Fitzpatrick